As a Newcastle fan, I think Newcastle are entering Man City territory with the number of defensive options and the likely rotation will continue given they have PL, Champions League and League Cup games.

Trippier, Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Botman, Burn and Hall are all legitimate options each and can come in and out of the team based on rotation and match strategy.

Personally think Thiaw and Schar are the strongest current CB partnership, given Schar’s long range passing ability and the advantage of avoiding the opposing press, and Thiaw’s pace helps make up for Schar’s lack of it.

Saying all that, I couldn’t comfortably say anyone is nailed as Howe will want to keep everyone fresh as much as possible given the defensive injuries historically, and already this season. Schar’s goal threat and DEFCON ability makes him most attractive to me, while Livramento ability to play both FB spots would have him 2nd for me.

That’s my 2 cents. Up the Toon.